Are you looking for new ways to use task cards in your classroom? Check out these five ideas to move away from turning task cards into glorified worksheets and into a learning activity.
Use Task Cards to Play Partner Quiz
Partner Quiz is a GREAT way to get students up and moving, working with multiple partners, and working on content all at the same time.
To play:
- The answer to each problem will need to be written on the back of the task card
- Each student gets a card that they hold with the question facing out and the answer facing them
- Students stand up, put their hand in the air, and find a partner
- Partners greet one another
- The tallest partner (or some other predetermined trait, shorter, longer hair, birthday closest to today…) goes first
- This partner views the question their partner is holding and answers the question
- If necessary, students may use scratch paper or a whiteboard to work out the problem
- If they need help, their partner can give them tips
- When they correctly answer the question their partner praises them and roles reverse
- The process is repeated with the second partner
- Partners trade cards and thank one another
- With their new card, they find a new partner to repeat the process
- Continue for as long as time allows
Use Task Cards to Play Stinky Feet
It’s no secret Stinky Feet is one of my favorite games ever, especially when it comes time to review. Check out this post with all the directions for how to play.
Use Task Cards to Play a Table Game
This game is the perfect way to review content or have an informal assessment of knowledge while students have fun with their table teammates. The table game strategy can also be used as a learning station to review content.
To play:
- Each table of students needs one set of task cards
- Each student needs their own whiteboard and marker
- Students have their whiteboards facing down
- The team “captain” turns over a card and reads the problem
- Students are given five seconds of think time
- Students pick up their whiteboard and marker and respond to the problem
- When they are done responding they place their whiteboard face down
- Once all students have finished solving they compare their work
- If all students agree, they erase their work and begin again. When there is a disagreement, students work together to solve the problem again. If they still can not agree all teammates raise their hand and wait for teacher assistance before continuing
Use Task Cards with Google Forms
If you want to save on paper but still want to have students complete sets of task cards this is a great way to make that happen. PLUS you can set the form to be self-correcting and do the grading for you!
Check out this post to find out exactly how to make this happen.
Use Task Cards to Complete Poster Presentations
The final strategy I have for you today is to turn task cards into a poster presentation. This is a great way to dive deeper into the content and not just ask for a question.
To do this:
- Students are partnered up
- Each set of partners receives one task card and a large piece of paper
- It is their job to create a poster explaining the problem and their problem-solving process including a model and multiple ways to solve
- Then, partners present their problem and solution to the class
- Alternatively, you could have students perform a gallery walk to view one another’s work
